Last year Ross was jailed for 18 months at the same court when he admitted neglect charges relating to exotic pets. He had a collection which included snakes, scorpions, turtles and lizards.

Michael Macintosh, prosecuting, said the latest offences came to light after the breakdown of Ross’s relationship in April last year.

Mr Macintosh told the court: “His partner’s father went to the accused’s address to gather some of his daughter’s belongings. He saw a phone on the bed which contained numerous messages between the accused and others of a sexual nature.

“His concern at that stage was more to do with his daughter rather than any unlawful activity. He took the phone to make his daughter aware of these communications.

“Numerous images were then seen on the device which was returned to the accused’s home. The police were advised and went to the property with a search warrant.”

Questioned about the images, Ross admitted the various electronic devices seized by officers were his and nobody else used them.

Defence agent Bobby Reid said Ross was released from prison just before Christmas after serving his sentence for the animal neglect charges.

Sheriff Marie Smart put Ross on the sex offenders register and deferred sentence for background reports and a risk assessment. Ross, who is on bail, must return to court on June 22.

In 2014 Ross talked of how he’d set up Keith’s Reptile Parties, buying pets from shops throughout the UK and training them before putting on shows. He said he enjoyed working with children who were not so squeamish as adults when it came to holding the exotic creatures.